VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam’s rice export turnover has been increasing year after year, but most exports continue to be raw and pre-processed products, experts say.

In 2018, Vietnam’s total rice exports reached 6.15 million tonnes, with export turnover of 3.15 billion USD. The industry saw a 5.7 percent increase in volume and a 19.6 percent increase in value compared to 2017. 

VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam had a prosperous rice export year in 2018, but has been warned of a tough year in 2019.

VietNamNet Bridge - Chinese import management agencies are planning to tighten control over rice imports early next year.

VietNamNet Bridge - Decree 107, which replaces another decree on rice export management, is feared to lead to unhealthy competition and lower Vietnam’s export prices.

VietNamNet Bridge - While Vietnamese enterprises gather strength to make products for export, Thai goods have been conquering the domestic market.

VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam is trying to re-position itself as an exporter of high-quality rice instead of low-quality white rice. 

VietNamNet Bridge - Many Vietnamese businesses have been reportedly tricked by foreign partners from Morocco, Canada, New Zealand and the US recently.

VietNamNet Bridge - Policies supporting rice growers remains ineffective as the production cost remains high.

VietNamNet Bridge - The news that Vietnamese exporters are enhancing rice sales to China has raised big concerns.

The current conditions are all favorable for Vietnam to export rice: global demand is high while export prices are on the rise. However, the unstable domestic rice market still concerns exporters.

VietNamNet Bridge - Though it believes a 6.7 percent GDP growth rate in 2017 is ‘within reach’, the Ministry of Planning & Investment (MPI) has set a 6.5 percent growth rate for 2018.

VietNamNet Bridge - Ten years ago, the risk for Vietnam was that it might miss the glbal ‘integration train’. Today, the question is where is Vietnam in that train?

VietNamNet Bridge - Vinafood 1 and Vinafood 2 want to be exclusive bidders for government-to-government (G2G) rice export contracts, but analysts warn of the dangers of a monopoly. 

VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam’s rice production is meeting difficulties because of two bottlenecks at the ends of the production chain, leading to a decline in market share. 

VietNamNet Bridge - The Vietnam Food Association (VFA) has warned that it would be difficult to export rice in 2017. 

Pineapple, watermelon and chili growers are complaining about the hot weather which has forced them to work hard to water crops. Meanwhile, farm produce prices have dropped dramatically.

VietNamNet Bridge - The rice price in the Mekong Delta has increased in the last couple of weeks, which has resulted in higher export prices. 

Vietnam, the second largest rice exporter in the world, is facing big challenges. The income of farmers has dropped by seven times in the last 10 years, while exports face barriers set by import countries. 

Falling demand and overseas competition are expected to bite into Vietnam's rice exports.